NAT GEO'S SHARKFEST STARTS TOMORROW! (SCHEDULE)
6 weeks. 4 networks + Disney+. 21 premieres and Chris Hemsworth!
SharkFest 2021 is a super-sized six weeks of fin-tastic programming that highlights the captivating science and stunning cinematic visuals of the apex predators.
National Geographic’s SharkFest swims onto screens on Monday July 5th at 9/8c with the premiere of the special Shark Beach With Chris Hemsworth. Follow the global movie star as he embarks on a personal mission to uncover the science of shark behavior and discover how humans and sharks can safely coexist.
National Geographic not only celebrates these amazing predators through our annual television event, but also funds the best scientists and storytellers from around the world to protect sharks and their ocean home. Join the National Geographic Society in protecting our ocean at natgeo.com/ocean.
Watch SharkFest all summer long on National Geographic Networks or on Disney+!
Here’s a look at the full schedule of new programming for SharkFest. Dates are subject to change.
Monday, July 5
8 p.m. — When Sharks Attack
The world’s local beaches quickly turn deadly in this terror-filled deep-sea saga when sharks descend, shocking the local community and sending scientists reeling. This program will question what causes these spikes in activity and how they can be prevented.
9 p.m. — Shark Beach with Chris Hemsworth
Actor Chris Hemsworth is on a mission to uncover the science of shark behavior and discover how humans and sharks can safely coexist. After an increase in local shark attacks along the east coast of Australia, he seeks to understand the different species of sharks and behaviors while exploring new preventative measures and the latest technology to help stave off shark encounters. It also features underwater conservationist and legend Valerie Taylor.
10 p.m. Rogue Shark?
In October 2018, the remote islands of the Whitsunday in Australia were rocked by a series of shark attacks, and all the victims were attacked in the same small patch of ocean, no larger than four football fields. Was a rogue serial killer shark on the loose, or was something new drawing sharks and humans into conflict?
Tuesday, July 6
10 p.m. — Orca vs. Great White
Off the coast of South Africa in 2017, orcas began hunting and killing great white sharks. And now researchers in New Zealand work to discover if it could happen again. They investigate this murder mystery and seek answers by diving with several shark populations — wondering if local orcas developed a taste for great white sharks.
Wednesday, July 7
10 p.m. — Shark Gangs
Sharks have been viewed for years as solitary predators, but scientists recently discovered a surprising new behavior. The special reveals how sharks like to hang out in gangs, but questions what is behind this behavior, if sharks enjoy a social life, or if they are working together to become more effective hunters.
Thursday, July 8
10 p.m. — Croc That Ate Jaws
From mysterious severed heads and ambush attacks to mob hunts and stand-offs, what happens when two of the deadliest predators on the planet go head-to-head?
Friday, July 9
10 p.m. — World’s Most Dangerous Shark?
The great white has a reputation for being the scariest in the sea, but Explorer Jacques Cousteau called the oceanic whitetip “The most dangerous of all sharks …” Two teams of experts dive deep into the world of the oceanic whitetip to reveal what makes this species a top contender for the title of “world’s most dangerous shark.”
Sunday, July 11
7 p.m. — Eyewitness Shark: Fin Frenzy
The Disney XD original has experts break down amazing shark viral videos and reveal clues to help us understand sharks like never before.
Monday, July 12
9 p.m. — Shark Attack Files
This action-packed series is an investigation into bizarre and fascinating shark behavior. Featuring footage from actual attacks, interactions and behavior captured by both professionals and observant bystanders, every twist and turn leaves viewers sitting on the edge of their seats. Scientific experts and investigators dive deeper into the mystery of these unexplained behaviors and come to a stunning revelation that ties these extraordinary events together.
10 p.m. — Shark Attack Investigation: The Paige Winter Story
Paige Winter was only 17 years old when she lost a leg and portion of her hand to a shark. Experts unpack the details of Paige’s attack to determine what kind of shark is responsible and what can be done, if anything, to avoid this happening again. Despite all Paige has lived through, this inspirational teen remains an advocate for sharks and, with the guidance of professionals, takes brave steps to overcome her greatest fears.
Tuesday, July 13
10 p.m. — World’s Biggest Bull Shark?
It was a freak encounter that broke all the records. In 2012, off the coast of Florida, shark scientist Dr. Neil Hammerschlag caught the mother of all bull sharks — it stretched more than 10-feet long and weighed over 1,000 pounds! They named her Big Bull and set her free. Bull sharks in Florida patrol the beaches, terrifyingly close the swimmers, and feast on seasonal migrations of baitfish. Many long thought these sharks were just well-fed, but now some scientists believe that Big Bull is the matriarch of a unique population of giants. There is only one way to find out ... and you gotta get close.
Thursday, July 15
10 p.m. — Killer Shark Vs. Killer Whale
The mystery of orcas attacking great white sharks for their livers leaves scientists baffled. This unusual predatory behavior has been witnessed in three parts of the world: California, South Africa and Australia. But the most shocking outcome is the disappearance of the other sharks after the event. How are they communicating with their kin and getting out of dodge when the killer whales move in?
Friday, July 23
Playing with Sharks — premieres on Disney+
A true pioneer in both underwater filmmaking and shark research, Valerie Taylor is a living legend and icon in the underwater world whose life’s work has become the basis for much of what we know about sharks today.
Through remarkable underwater archival footage, along with interviews with Valerie herself, “Playing with Sharks,” from National Geographic Documentary Films and twice Emmy-nominated director Sally Aitken, follows this daring ocean explorer’s trajectory from champion spearfisher to passionate shark protector. From the birth of cage diving to “Jaws” hysteria to the dawn of cageless shark diving, Valerie became a trailblazing advocate for the ocean’s most maligned and misunderstood creatures.